Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Abstract

High school athletic programs increasingly face the challenge of ensuring coaches not only are technically proficient but also how well the coaches support their student-athletes’ personal growth, well-being, and development. As traditional, performance-focused evaluation models fall short in addressing these broader goals, there is a growing need for more effective, holistic approaches to coaching evaluation. This study explores how athletic leadership is evolving to meet that need, focusing on the shift from results-driven metrics to athlete-centered, developmental evaluation practices. Though interviews with seven athletic directors to understand how coaching experience, professional identity, and evaluation methods affect leadership and program growth. Key findings show that coaching experience helps Athletic Directors (ADs) focus on youth development, mentorship, and relationship-building. ADs with education and administration backgrounds, plus athletic leadership credentials, tend to be more effective leaders. They see evaluations as tools for growth, not punishment, and focus on building culture and aligning with school values. While formal evaluations are sometimes inconsistent, informal feedback from visits and digital tools help coaches improve. Evaluation criteria emphasize ethics, communication, and student-athlete development, though students' voices are often missing.

The study highlights the importance of strong coach education and leadership styles like servant and transformational leadership, which encourage character, inclusion, and ethics. Despite challenges like limited resources, the study suggests updating evaluation processes, involving more stakeholders, and prioritizing professional development. The aim is to create an environment of coaching that balances sport with life skills, resilience, and mental health, all which helps students prepare for future success beyond sport. There are also potential implications for actionable strategies to enhance coaching evaluation processes and the creation of environments that support both athletic success and lifelong personal development of student-athletes.

Advisor

Ray Schneider

Second Reader

Meredith P Flaherty

Semester

Summer

Year

2025

Degree

M.Ed.

Program

Sport Administration

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